BENCHMARKING SUSTAINABLE TOURISM
A VISION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE WESTERN FORELAND OF LOLLAND’S SOUTH COAST
A Unique Opportunity for Sustainable Tourism
Perfectly placed between Copenhagen and Hamburg, this new coastal area is designed with nature and climate in mind.
Think winding dunes, wetlands, lagoons, and gentle elevations, shaped not just to look beautiful, but to protect the land, welcome visitors, and keep the ecosystem thriving for decades to come.
With room for experiences that could bring 1.66 million extra overnight stays each year and create 6,000 new jobs, it’s a chance to grow tourism that feels good for business, the community, and the planet.
This is a place for brands that want to make an impact, while making memories for their guests.
Sustainability by Design
Lolland Municipality’s foreland development is a model for sustainable tourism, balancing economic growth, environmental preservation, and climate adaptation.
- Terrain Design
- Landscaped with wind-exposed and sheltered zones, allowing for natural rainwater ponds
- Gently undulating terrain with elevations from +3 m to +5 m, with dune peaks near the western beach and lagoon reaching +7 m
- High elevations avoided near the harbor, Lalandia, and the existing dike; dunes primarily along the western beach and lagoon
- Natural Habitat
- 10,400 m² (41 ha) of salt water marsh
- Additional: 10,000 m² marsh, 146,000 m² meadow, 1,800 m² grassland
- Western foreland’s tip will primarily feature salt water marsh and grasslands
- Pathways and Roads
- Walking & cycling paths: 3 m wide, gravel surface
- Two-way roads: 2.75 m lane width, asphalt surface
- 1 m median strip between roads and paths, plus 1 m outer margin along slopes
- Parking Failities
- 140 public parking spaces, 100 near the eastern lagoon and 40 near the western beach
- Maximum 200 m from the shoreline
- Bodies of Water
- 3-7 new waterholes to support biodiversity.
- Placement principles:
- Near existing waterholes, but safely distanced from construction.
- No stream inflow to prevent fish introduction.
- Within migration range of existing waterholes.
- Near suitable wildlife resting habitats.
- Integrated into an ecological network to maintain biodiversity.
- Supports amphibian habitats for resting, overwintering, and foraging.
Tourism and Economic Growth Impact
The Western Foreland is set to become a flagship example of how tourism development can go hand in hand with nature conservation, climate adaptation, and economic growth, advancing Denmark’s National Tourism Strategy in a tangible, future-focused way.
Expanding Coastal and Nature-Based Tourism
The project will boost overnight accommodation capacity to meet rising demand, cementing Lolland’s position as a premier coastal destination.
Sustainable Growth
Built to support “Nature-Friendly Tourism,” the plan integrates high-quality accommodation into the landscape, enhancing rather than disrupting the local environment.
Economic Impact
With the potential to create 6,000 jobs and increase export revenue, the Western Foreland offers significant investment opportunities while strengthening local businesses and the regional economy.
Overview of Lolland’s South Coast Development Area and Rødbyhavn’s New Waterfronts
Addressing Government Requirement for Development
The government has set three key conditions for amending the construction law:
- Compensatory Nature Areas
- Coastal Protection
- Environmental Impact Assessment
Lolland Municipality plans to develop the area in collaboration with Femern A/S and the Ministry of Transport. Requirements that are already integrated into the development plan for Lolland’s South Coast:
- Expanding Coastal & Nature Tourism
The Western Foreland supports Denmark’s National Tourism Strategy by growing coastal and nature-based tourism and increasing high-quality overnight accommodation. - Sustainable Growth
Lolland Municipality is developing the area into a nature-friendly destination, enhancing infrastructure without harming the environment and benefiting both visitors and locals. - Economic & Investment Potential
The project could create 6,000 jobs, attract investment, boost exports, and position Lolland’s South Coast as a leading destination for sustainable, high-quality tourism.
Why Lolland’s South Coast Matters
The Western Foreland on Lolland’s South Coast is set to deliver 1.66 million extra overnight stays annually, concentrating development on newly created land to protect natural areas while driving economic growth.
Guided by six sustainability principles, ecosystem protection, sustainable design, local business support, year-round tourism, and coordinated investment, the project blends high-quality, low-impact infrastructure with authentic local experiences, positioning Lolland as a model for resilient, nature-driven tourism.
Facts
- 300 hectares (3 million m2) of new land created from seabed materials from the Femern Tunnel excavation
- Stretches approx. 3 km west of Rødbyhavn harbor
- Integrated coastal engineering with new dikes, flood protections and stable coastal features, including erosion and sand management
- Strategic coastal design, blending with natural coastline and minimizing impact of tidal flow
- Doubling capacity for ecological habitats to foster biodiversity
- 3.7 km long natural corridor that includes a lagoon, recreational and seabird islands
- Landscape restoration as compensation for ecological damages due to e.g. establishment of dikes and land development
We invite purpose-driven investors and business owners to collaborate with us during the pre-design phase of this development.
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